Comparing the 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Subaru Outback: Which is Right for You?
February 27 2024,
The 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback, both available in Wilderness trims, are standout options in the SUV market. While they share the revered Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD and other core Subaru technologies, they cater to slightly different lifestyles and preferences. Let's delve into their specifics to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Dimensions
The 2024 Forester, embracing its "Forester-ness," is designed for supreme agility and versatility. It's a compact SUV that's become more spacious, quieter, and better handling than its predecessors. Its design is geared toward those who appreciate a mix of urban driving comfort and the capability to tackle outdoor adventures.
The Outback, on the other hand, is an adventurous vehicle with a bold design, offering uncommon capabilities for more rugged expeditions. It's slightly longer than the Forester, providing additional interior space, making it a good fit for those who frequently embark on longer trips or require more cargo space.
Exterior Space Comparison
|
Exterior Feature |
2024 Subaru Forester |
2024 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
|
Cargo Floor Length Seats Folded (mm) |
1,776 |
1,906 |
|
Cargo Floor Length Seats Up (mm) |
908 |
1,067 |
|
Cargo Liftover Height (mm) |
724 |
722 |
|
Cargo Space Height (mm) |
884 |
815 |
|
Cargo Volume Seats Folded (L) |
2,101 |
2,141 |
|
Cargo Volume Seats Up (L) |
818 |
923 |
|
Liftgate Opening Height (mm) |
818 |
749 |
|
Liftgate Opening Width Lower (mm) |
1,258 |
1,120 |
|
Liftgate Opening Width Max (mm) |
1,300 |
1,149 |
|
Approach Angle (deg) |
20.0 |
18.2 |
|
Departure Angle (deg) |
24.6 |
21.7 |
|
Ground Clearance (mm) |
220 |
220 |
|
Height with Roof Rails (mm) |
1,730 |
1,680 |
|
Length (mm) |
4,640 |
4,875 |
|
Ramp Breakover Angle (deg) |
19.6 |
19.4 |
|
Track Front (mm) |
1,565 |
1,570 |
|
Track Rear (mm) |
1,570 |
1,595 |
|
Wheelbase (mm) |
2,670 |
2,745 |
|
Width Body (mm) |
1,815 |
1,885 |
|
Width Mirrors Extended (mm) |
2,052 |
2,084 |
Cargo and Interior Space
Both the Forester and Outback are generous with cargo space, but the Outback edges out slightly with 2,141 liters of space with seats folded, compared to the Forester's 2,101 liters. The Forester, however, offers more headroom and slightly better legroom, catering to passenger comfort. The Outback's design favors cargo, with a longer cargo floor and wider liftgate opening, making it more suitable for hauling larger items.
Interior Space Comparison
|
Interior Feature |
2024 Subaru Forester |
2024 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
|
EPA Passenger Volume (L) |
3,160 |
3,087 |
|
Headroom Front (mm) |
1,047 |
1,019 |
|
Headroom Rear (mm) |
1,006 |
993 |
|
Hip Room Front (mm) |
1,384 |
1,410 |
|
Hip Room Rear (mm) |
1,359 |
1,393 |
|
Legroom Front (mm) |
1,101 |
1,087 |
|
Legroom Rear (mm) |
1,000 |
1,004 |
|
Shoulder Room Front (mm) |
1,477 |
1,476 |
|
Shoulder Room Rear (mm) |
1,454 |
1,457 |
Performance Comparison of the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback both feature the reliable 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, known for its smooth power delivery and efficient operation. The Forester Wilderness trim and the Outback's various trims, including the Wilderness™ and XT models, offer different states of tune and transmission pairings to suit various driving preferences.
Engine Specifications and Fuel Economy:
|
Specification |
2024 Subaru Forester |
2024 Subaru Outback 2.5L |
2024 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Type |
2.5L BOXER® 4-cylinder |
2.5L BOXER® 4-cylinder |
2.4L BOXER® 4-cylinder Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
|
Torque |
176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
277 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm |
|
Fuel Economy City (L/100 km) |
9.0 |
9.2 |
10.6 |
|
Fuel Economy Highway (L/100 km) |
7.2 |
7.3 |
8.1 |
|
Fuel Economy City - Forester Wilderness (L/100 km) |
9.5 |
- |
- |
|
Fuel Economy Highway - Forester Wilderness (L/100 km) |
8.3 |
- |
- |
|
Fuel Economy City - Outback Wilderness (L/100 km) |
- |
- |
11.0 |
|
Fuel Economy Highway - Outback Wilderness (L/100 km) |
- |
- |
9.0 |
The standard 2.5L BOXER® engines in both the Forester and the base trims of the Outback offer identical horsepower and torque figures, ensuring a consistent driving experience across both models. However, the Outback has an available turbocharged 2.4L engine that significantly boosts performance for those seeking more power.
Fuel efficiency is a strong point for both vehicles, with the Forester offering marginally better consumption rates in the city and on the highway, making it slightly more economical for daily driving. The Forester Wilderness trim sees a slight increase in fuel consumption due to its more rugged capabilities.
The Outback, while offering similar fuel economy in its base engine, shows a higher consumption in the turbocharged variant, a trade-off for the increased performance. The Outback Wilderness, with its specialized tuning for low-end power, also registers higher fuel consumption, catering to drivers who prioritize off-road performance.
Wilderness Trims
The Wilderness trims for both models enhance their off-road capabilities. The Forester Wilderness might appeal more to those looking for a compact SUV that can handle tough terrain without sacrificing the ease of city driving. The Outback Wilderness, with its increased ground clearance and rugged build, is ideal for more serious off-roaders and adventure enthusiasts.
Safety and Technology
Both models come equipped with the updated Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist system, offering enhanced safety features. The Outback, however, includes a standard wide-angle mono-camera for better detection capabilities and Emergency Automatic Steering. For tech-savvy users, the Outback also offers available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with USB-C ports.
Choosing between the 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback boils down to your specific needs and lifestyle. If you prefer a more compact SUV that balances urban driveability with outdoor readiness, the Forester is an excellent choice. However, if your focus is on larger cargo space, longer trips, and more robust off-road capabilities, the Outback, especially in its Wilderness trim, would be the better fit. Both vehicles stand as strong contenders in their category, continuing Subaru's legacy of safety, reliability, and adventure-ready performance.
